Active shooter incidents in U.S. businesses are increasing, according to an FBI report. The FBI tracks incidents where individuals are actively killing or attempting to kill people in populated areas, though many other incidents involving weapons go untracked. With the start of school rapidly approaching, now is the time to prepare for such events.
There are approaches to active shooter incidents that offer different strategies, such as ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) and Avoid, Deny, Defend.
ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) focuses on empowering individuals to make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances. It encourages people to be alert and aware of their surroundings, gather and communicate information about the threat, and take appropriate action. This may include locking down to prevent the shooter from entering, using countermeasures, if necessary, as a last resort, and evacuating when it is safe to do so.
Avoid, Deny, Defend emphasizes three key actions: first, individuals should try to avoid the threat by escaping or removing themselves from the danger zone. If that is not possible, they should deny access to their location by barricading or securing the area. As a last resort, individuals may need to defend themselves against the attacker using whatever means are available.
To effectively address the risk of active shooters, it’s important to consider the broader spectrum of violence and emphasize prevention. This includes recognizing early warning signs, providing staff and student assistance programs, and educating employees on threat recognition and reporting.
Different types of violence, such as targeted and affective violence, require specific mitigation strategies. Measures like weapons screening, de-escalation training, and strong partnerships with law enforcement can help reduce risks.
Implementing weapons screening is a proactive measure that can prevent firearms and other dangerous weapons from entering a facility. Advanced screening technologies, such as metal detectors and X-ray machines, can be used at entry points to detect concealed weapons. This measure is particularly effective in high-risk environments, such as schools, government buildings, and large corporate campuses. By intercepting weapons before they enter the premises, organizations can mitigate the potential for violence.
De-escalation training equips employees and security personnel with the skills to defuse potentially volatile situations before they escalate into violence. This training focuses on communication techniques, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies to manage aggressive behavior calmly and effectively.
Building strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies is crucial for effective risk management and emergency response. These partnerships facilitate information sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated efforts to address potential threats.
Organizations should consider implementing the following critical measures to further reduce risks:
Access Control Systems: Restricting entry to authorized personnel only and using ID badges, biometric scanners, or key cards to control access. Integrating an access control system can restrict entry to authorized personnel only, further enhancing the safety of the school environment. See Parabit’s Access Control System here.
Surveillance Systems: Installing high-quality cameras to monitor activity and provide real-time information during incidents. Incorporating cameras throughout the school premises can significantly aid in monitoring suspicious activities, providing real-time information during incidents, and serving as a deterrent to potential attackers. See Parabit’s camera housings here.
Threat Assessment Teams: Establishing multidisciplinary teams to identify, assess, and manage potential threats.
Regular Drills and Training: Conduct regular emergency drills and training sessions to ensure that employees are familiar with protocols and can respond effectively during an incident.
Take measures to safeguard your school now, before it’s too late.
Contact sales@parabit.com to start implementing stronger security measures today.
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2022. U.S. Department of Justice, Apr. 2023, www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-incidents-in-the-us-2022-042623.pdf/view.